Ok so we didn't really go to Turkey today, but we did cross the green line to the Turkish side, otherwise known as Northern Cyprus. Despite Harry's numerous attempts to educate me about the history and politics regarding the division, I still don't fully understand it. I can tell you this, the war in 1974, which developed out of tensions between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, resulted in the declaration of the Turkish occupation of Northern Cyprus in 1983. Although Northern Cyprus has received diplomatic recognition from Turkey - who support the North of the island economically, politically and military - the rest of the international community (including the United Nations and the European Union) only recognise the Republic of Cyprus (the southern part of the island).
Effectively - well at least this is how I see it - crossing the boarding to Northern Cyprus is entering a place that doesn't exist, as far as the rest of the world is concerned. And as you walk through the UN buffer zone - which stretches the length of the green line, and separates Nicosia, the capital of the island - you can see buildings, maybe offices or house, now abandoned, and literally caught in the middle of two worlds. While I haven't explained that perfectly, you get the picture.
The other side of the green line has similarities with old town Nicosia; dilapidated buildings and bullet holes - evidence of the war - are everywhere. There is a mosque which sits in the heart of the small town we were in, a mosque which once was a church and has been pieced back together like a puzzle gone wrong.
So this afternoon we went nowhere for a few hours. A nowhere with a lot of fake designer bags and some very expensive diamonds that Harry decided better stay in the shop (well it did cost a whole years rent in euros so probably best).
One day I might be able to explain the history to you properly. For now Wikipedia can probably do a better job. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Cyprus
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